Thomas Herbert Burke

Thomas Herbert Burke – September 12, 1959 to June 16, 2023 Tom died suddenly at his home on June 16, 2023. Tom was a wonderful father, brother, uncle, great-uncle, godfather, cousin, best friend and co-worker. He was one of the best intervention specialists in the world. His work included training medical professionals globally on the treatment of brain aneurysms and diseases with a catheter-based approach. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Inez Burke of Dearborn Heights, who raised their large family in Dearborn at St. Alphonsus Parish and later in Dearborn Heights at Divine Child Parish. His parents instilled in him a strong Catholic faith, which Tom put into action as an active member of Our Lady Star of Sea Parish in Grosse Pointe Woods, where his sons attended grade school and then high school at the University of Detroit Jesuit. He was a Eucharistic Minister and an integral member of the infamous “Star Fryers”, having cooked at Lenten fish fry’s for many years. Tom is survived by his sons, Brendan and Bennett, whom he shared with their mother, Pamela (Cimini). Everything Tom did was for his boys, who have grown into remarkable young men. Tom is also survived by his band of brothers and their wives; Mike (Suzanne), Pat (Mary Anne), Paul (Susan), twin brother Gerry (Janet), and Tim. And, of course, his sister and confidant, Mary Beth. Tom’s big heart had plenty of room for his 13 nieces and nephews (and their spouses), who won his love plus medical advice, travel tips and handyman skills. In addition, he had 12 grand nieces and nephews who he showered with love and affection. Tom went to the Henry Ford School of Radiology. He first worked as a general radiology technologist to gain experience, which took him to the Emergency Room and other areas of the hospital. Tom then moved into Special Procedures, which is now called Interventional Radiology, at Henry Ford. His knowledge of anatomy and physiology propelled him to the top of the field. He worked with Radiologists, Vascular Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Neurologists, and many other healthcare professionals in catheter-based treatment of vascular abnormalities. Tom transitioned from the hospital environment to the business world as the Senior Global Clinical Manager for MicroVention. He was employed there for over 20 years. He trained engineers, clinical specialists, and salespeople within the company. He also travelled to hospitals all over the world, engaging doctors and staff, teaching aneurysm therapy treatment options and techniques. Tom was “on call” day or night regardless of the time zone, in order to answer questions and support medical procedures. During the pandemic he would support cases remotely via video. The respect for Tom and his work ethic was immense. Tom was recently recognized by MicroVention for his years of valuable commitment to excellence in supporting their field team of physicians and patients worldwide. Tom loved sports and shared them as a fan with his sons, brothers and friends. He enjoyed golf and the MSU Spartans – Go Green! Tom’s life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 26th at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Grosse Pointe Woods. Visitation with family members will begin at 9 a.m. prior to the Mass. He will be laid to rest near his parents at a later date at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to The Brain Aneurysm Foundation.